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dealing with peach tree borers in small home orchard #794006

Asked June 03, 2022, 11:13 AM EDT

We've got a small, young urban "orchard" of about 16 dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees. At least half are stone fruits, all trees are young - about 4 years old. While removing old mulch and adding compost, I found a large glob of jelly-like substance at the base of one of the most vigorous trees - one of two apricot trees. I cleaned away the area, and washed away the goo with the garden hose. Attached are a few pictures of the damage. From what I'm finding online, this sounds and looks like peach tree borer. The tree is still very vigorous, although 1/4 to 1/3 of the base of it is affected so far. I'd like to save this tree, and to protect the other trees in the yard. Are there any recommendations you can give me on how? And also, when I can expect the critical adult stage of this pest in my region?

Lucas County Ohio

Expert Response

Hi Tim,

Good to hear from you! I agree with you that the peachtree borer is likely the culprit. You can use to a wire to poke into the holes to kills the worms. You may also need to spray an insecticide to the tree trunks around late July to early August. Lorsban is a labelled insecticide, but I do not know if you can get it anymore.

Adult flight information is listed in the following bulletin for both peachtree borer and lesser peachtree borer:
https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/id-232.pdf
Gary Gao, Ph.D. Replied June 08, 2022, 6:07 PM EDT

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